Multi-position gutter exterior cleaning brush apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a multiply positionable brush for cleaning the exterior surfaces of roof rain gutter systems. In a preferred embodiment the invention comprises a brush head (A), a plurality of bristles (B), a first pole receptacle (C) for operably securing a first pole end to the brush head for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutter downspouts, a second pole receptacle (D) for operably securing a first pole end to the brush head for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutters; and a third pole receptacle (E) for operably securing a first pole end to the brush head for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutter leaf guard systems. Also provided is a working pole (F) capable of being operably secured to the brush head having a first end and a second end with a portion therebetween.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to a multiply positionable brush for cleaning the exterior surfaces of roof rain gutter systems.

Roof rain gutter systems are typically installed along the eave line of a structure to facilitate the collection of and transport of rainwater from the roof of the structure to the ground. Rain gutters are typically installed horizontally in parallel relation to the ground, and may employ vertical downspouts to transport the collected rainwater down to the ground and away from the structure. A recent development in the gutter industry has been the introduction of rain gutter leaf guard systems, which cover the open top of the rain gutter system to prevent debris accumulation within the gutter channel, while still allowing the gutter to collect and transport water.

Over time, the exterior of these roof rain gutter systems weathers and becomes soiled, affecting the appearance of the gutter system and the associated structure. What is needed, therefore, is a device that can be easily and rapidly used to clean the multifaceted exterior surfaces of roof rain gutter systems.

SUMMARY

The present invention comprises a multiply positionable brush for cleaning the exterior surfaces of roof rain gutter systems. The brush comprises a generally L-shaped brush head having an inner surface, an outer surface, and two opposing ends. A plurality of bristles is carried on the inner surface of the brush head. Carried on the outer surface of the brush head are a first pole receptacle for operably securing a first pole end to the brush head for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutter downspouts, a second pole receptacle for operably securing a first pole end to the brush head for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutters; and a third pole receptacle for operably securing a first pole end to the brush head for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutter leaf guard systems. Also provided is a working pole capable of being operably secured to the brush head having a first end and a second end with a portion therebetween.

The present invention further comprises a multiply positionable brush for cleaning the exterior surfaces of roof rain gutter systems, comprising a generally L-shaped brush head having an inner surface, an outer surface, and two opposing ends. A plurality of bristles is carried on the inner surface of the brush head. Carried on the outer surface of the brush head are a first pole receptacle for operably securing a first pole end to the brush head for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutter downspouts, a second pole receptacle for operably securing a first pole end to the brush head for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutters; and a third pole receptacle for operably securing a first pole end to the brush head for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutter leaf guard systems.

The present invention further comprises a method for manufacturing a multiply positionable brush for cleaning the exterior surfaces of roof rain gutter systems, the method of manufacturing comprising the steps of providing a generally L-shaped brush head having an inner surface, an outer surface, and two opposing ends, providing a plurality of bristles carried on the inner surface of the brush head, providing a working pole capable of being operably secured to the brush head having a first end and a second end with a portion therebetween, providing a first pole receptacle carried on the outer surface of the brush head for operably securing a first pole end to the brush head for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutter downspouts, a second pole receptacle carried on the outer surface of the brush head for operably securing a first pole end to the brush head for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutters, a third pole receptacle carried on the outer surface of the brush head for operably securing a first pole end to the brush head for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutter leaf guard systems.

The present invention further comprises a method for manufacturing multiply positionable brush for cleaning the exterior surfaces of roof rain gutter systems, comprising the steps of providing a generally L-shaped brush head having an inner surface, an outer surface, and two opposing ends, providing a plurality of bristles carried on the inner surface of the brush head, providing a first pole receptacle carried on the outer surface of the brush head for operably securing a first pole end to the brush head for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutter downspouts, a second pole receptacle carried on the outer surface of the brush head for operably securing a first pole end to the brush head for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutters, a third pole receptacle carried on the outer surface of the brush head for operably securing a first pole end to the brush head for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutter leaf guard systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view illustrating a multiply positionable brush for cleaning the exterior surfaces of roof rain gutter systems constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top elevational view illustrating a multiply positionable brush for cleaning the exterior surfaces of roof rain gutter systems constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view illustrating a multiply positionable brush for cleaning the exterior surfaces of roof rain gutter systems constructed in accordance with the invention, wherein the working pole is operably secured into the first pole receptacle configuration, positioning the bristles in contact with both the front exterior face and side exterior face of the rain gutter downspout for simultaneously cleaning the front exterior face and side exterior face of the rain gutter downspout.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view illustrating a multiply positionable brush for cleaning the exterior surfaces of roof rain gutter systems constructed in accordance with the invention, wherein the working pole is operably secured into the second pole receptacle configuration, positioning the bristles in contact with both the front exterior face and bottom exterior face of the rain gutter for simultaneously cleaning the front exterior face and bottom exterior face of the rain gutter.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view illustrating a multiply positionable brush for cleaning the exterior surfaces of roof rain gutter systems constructed in accordance with the invention, wherein the working pole is operably secured into the third pole receptacle configuration, positioning the bristles in contact with both the top exterior face and front exterior face of the rain gutter leaf guard system for simultaneously cleaning the top exterior face and front exterior face of the rain gutter leaf guard system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Roof Rain Gutter Systems: A channel or series of interconnected channels placed at or affixed to the eaves of a structure for conveying away rain water, including but not limited to gutters, downspouts, and leaf guards.

Downspout: A vertical spout or pipe connected to a roof rain gutter system to carry rain water down from a roof or gutters.

Rain Gutter Leaf Guard Systems: Coverings for roof rain gutter systems that prevent debris accumulation within the gutter channel, yet still allow for rain water to collect within the roof rain gutter system.

The drawings illustrate a multiply positionable brush for cleaning the exterior surfaces of roof rain gutter systems, comprising a brush head A, a plurality of bristles B, a first pole receptacle C, a second pole receptacle D, a third pole receptacle E, and a working pole F.

Brush head A preferably is generally L-shaped, having an inner surface 10 an outer surface 12, and opposing ends 14 and 16. In an embodiment, the inner surface 10 of brush head A forms an angle ranging from about 100 degrees to about 120 degrees. In yet another embodiment, the inner surface 10 of the brush head A forms an angle comprising about 115 degrees. It has been found the aforementioned angle ranges of the brush head A is preferred for most roof rain gutter systems. The brush head A may be of wood, metal, or polymer construction.

A plurality of bristles B are carried on the inner surface 10 of the brush head A. These bristles may be of natural or synthetic construction, and may either be molded into the brush head or mechanically staple set into the brush head.

The brush of the present invention is multiply positionable due to the arrangement and orientation of the pole receptacles. First pole receptacle C, second pole receptacle D, and third pole receptacle E are each carried on the outer surface 12 of the brush head A. Pole receptacles C, D, and E function to operably secure the brush head A to a first end of a working pole F so that a user may grip a second end of the working pole to manipulate and employ the brush head for cleaning the exterior of roof rain gutter systems.

Each pole receptacle has a unique placement and orientation upon the outer surface of the brush head, and each pole receptacle is unique to the functional use of the brush head. First pole receptacle C is placed and oriented to operably secure a first working pole end to the brush head A for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutter downspouts. In an embodiment, first pole receptacle C comprises an angle from about 1 degree to about 10 degrees about the brush head. In yet another embodiment, the first pole receptacle comprises an angle about 5 degrees about the brush head. In this configuration, the angle of the first pole receptacle to the brush head, and by consequence the angle of the working pole to the brush head, positions brush head A and the bristles B carried upon the inner surface 10 of brush head A in contact with both the front exterior face and side exterior face of the rain gutter downspout. Thus, a user gripping a second end of the working pole may manipulate and employ the brush head for simultaneously cleaning the front exterior face and side exterior face of the rain gutter downspout.

Second pole receptacle D is placed and oriented to operably secure a first working pole end to the brush head A for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutters. In an embodiment, second pole receptacle D comprises an angle from about 30 degrees to about 40 degrees about the brush head. In yet another embodiment, the second pole receptacle D comprises an angle about 35 degrees about the brush head. In this configuration, the angle of the second pole receptacle D to the brush head A, and by consequence angle of the working pole F to the brush head A, positions brush head A and the bristles B carried upon the inner surface 10 of brush head A in contact with both the front exterior face and bottom exterior face of the rain gutters. Thus, a user gripping a second end of the working pole may manipulate and employ the brush head for simultaneously cleaning the front exterior face and bottom exterior face of the rain gutter.

Third pole receptacle E is placed and oriented to operably secure a first working pole end to the brush head A for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutter leaf guard systems. In an embodiment, third pole receptacle E comprises an angle from about 1 degree to about 10 degrees about the brush head. In yet another embodiment, the first pole receptacle comprises an angle about 5 degrees about the brush head. In this configuration, the angle of the third pole receptacle to the brush head, and by consequence angle of the working pole to the brush head, positions brush head A and the bristles B carried upon the inner surface 10 of brush head A in contact with both the top exterior face and front exterior face of the rain gutter leaf guard system. Thus, a user gripping a second end of the working pole may manipulate and employ the brush head for simultaneously cleaning the top exterior face and front exterior face of the rain gutter leaf guard system.

Working pole F may be fixed or telescoping, and may be of wood, metal, or polymer construction. In an embodiment, the pole receptacles C, D, and E are female threaded for receiving and operably securing a corresponding male threaded end of working pole F. In this embodiment a working pole F is provided with a first end and a second end with a portion therebetween. The first end of the working pole may be male threaded for operably securing to the corresponding female threaded pole receptacles C, D, and E via threaded engagement. Other mechanisms for operably securing the working pole F to the brush head A are contemplated, such as the use of ball and socket connectors, pins, or traditional fasteners such as nuts, bolts or threaded rod may be employed while maintaining the inventive scope of the present invention.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described using specific terms, such description is for illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that changes and variations may be made to the multiply positionable gutter exterior brush constructed in accordance with the invention, its parts, and methods of manufacture, without departing from the spirit or scope of the following claims. 

1. A multiply positionable brush for cleaning the exterior surfaces of roof rain gutter systems, comprising: a generally L-shaped brush head having an inner surface, an outer surface, and two opposing ends; a plurality of bristles carried on the inner surface of the brush head; a working pole capable of being operably secured to the brush head having a first end and a second end with a portion therebetween; a first pole receptacle carried on the outer surface of the brush head for operably securing a first pole end to the brush head for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutter downspouts; a second pole receptacle carried on the outer surface of the brush head for operably securing a first pole end to the brush head for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutters; and a third pole receptacle carried on the outer surface of the brush head for operably securing a first pole end to the brush head for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutter leaf guard systems.
 2. The brush of claim 1, wherein the brush head comprises an angle from about 90 degrees to about 120 degrees.
 3. The brush of claim 1, wherein the brush head comprises an angle from about 100 degrees to about 120 degrees.
 4. The brush of claim 1, wherein the brush head comprises an angle about 115 degrees.
 5. The brush of claim 1, wherein the first working pole end is male threaded for threadedly engaging a corresponding female thread.
 6. The brush of claim 5, wherein the first pole receptacle is female threaded for threadedly engaging a corresponding male thread.
 7. The brush of claim 5, wherein the second pole receptacle is female threaded for threadedly engaging a corresponding male thread.
 8. The brush of claim 5, wherein the third pole receptacle is female threaded for threadedly engaging a corresponding male thread.
 9. The brush of claim 1, wherein the first pole receptacle comprises an angle from about 1 degree to about 10 degrees about the brush head.
 10. The brush of claim 1, wherein the first pole receptacle comprises an angle about 5 degrees about the brush head.
 11. The brush of claim 1, wherein the second pole receptacle is angled from about 30 degrees to about 40 degrees about the brush head.
 12. The brush of claim 1, wherein the second pole receptacle is angled about 35 degrees about the brush head.
 13. The brush of claim 1, wherein the third pole receptacle is angled from about 1 degree to about 10 degrees about the brush head.
 14. The brush of claim 1, wherein the third pole receptacle is angled about 5 degrees about the brush head.
 15. A multiply positionable brush for cleaning the exterior surfaces of roof rain gutter systems, comprising: a generally L-shaped brush head having an inner surface, an outer surface, and two opposing ends; a plurality of bristles carried on the inner surface of the brush head; a first pole receptacle carried on the outer surface of the brush head for operably securing a pole end to the brush head for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutter downspouts; a second pole receptacle carried on the outer surface of the brush head for operably securing a pole end to the brush head for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutters; and a third pole receptacle carried on the outer surface of the brush head for operably securing a pole end to the brush head for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutter leaf guard systems.
 16. The multiply positionable brush of claim 15, further comprising a working pole capable of being operably secured to the brush head having a first end and a second end with a portion therebetween.
 17. The working pole of claim 16, wherein the first working pole end is male threaded for threadedly engaging a corresponding female thread.
 18. The brush of claim 17, wherein the first pole receptacle is female threaded for threadedly engaging a corresponding male thread.
 19. The brush of claim 17, wherein the second pole receptacle is female threaded for threadedly engaging a corresponding male thread.
 20. The brush of claim 17, wherein the third pole receptacle is female threaded for threadedly engaging a corresponding male thread.
 21. A method for cleaning the exterior surfaces of roof rain gutter systems utilizing a multiply positionable brush, comprising the steps of: providing a working pole having a first end and a second end with a portion therebetween; providing a generally L-shaped brush head having an inner surface, an outer surface and two opposing ends, wherein the inner surface of the brush head carries a plurality of bristles, wherein the outer surface of the brush head carries a first pole receptacle, a second pole receptacle and a third pole receptacle each capable of securably receiving a first pole end; operably securing a first working pole end to the first pole receptacle for operably securing the pole to the brush head for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutter downspouts; operably securing a first working pole end to the second pole receptacle for operably securing the pole to the brush head for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutters; and operably securing a first working pole end to the third pole receptacle for operably securing the pole to the brush head for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutter leaf guard systems.
 22. The working pole of claim 21, wherein the first working pole end is male threaded for threadedly engaging a corresponding female threaded pole receptacle.
 23. The brush of claim 22, wherein the first pole receptacle is female threaded for threadedly engaging a corresponding male threaded first working pole end.
 24. The brush of claim 22, wherein the second pole receptacle is female threaded for threadedly engaging a corresponding male threaded first working pole end.
 25. The brush of claim 22, wherein the third pole receptacle is female threaded for threadedly engaging a corresponding male threaded first working pole end.
 26. A method for manufacturing a multiply positionable brush for cleaning the exterior surfaces of roof rain gutter systems, comprising the steps of: providing a generally L-shaped brush head having an inner surface, an outer surface, and two opposing ends; providing a plurality of bristles carried on the inner surface of the brush head; providing a working pole capable of being operably secured to the brush head having a first end and a second end with a portion therebetween; providing a first pole receptacle carried on the outer surface of the brush head for operably securing a first working pole end to the brush head for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutter downspouts; providing a second pole receptacle carried on the outer surface of the brush head for operably securing a first pole working end to the brush head for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutters; and providing a third pole receptacle carried on the outer surface of the brush head for operably securing a first working pole end to the brush head for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutter leaf guard systems.
 27. The method of manufacturing of claim 26, wherein the brush head comprises an angle from about 90 degrees to about 120 degrees.
 28. The method of manufacturing of claim 26, wherein the brush head comprises an angle from about 100 degrees to about 120 degrees.
 29. The method of manufacturing of claim 26, wherein the brush head comprises an angle about 115 degrees.
 30. The method of manufacturing of claim 26, wherein the first working pole end is male threaded for threadedly engaging a corresponding female threaded pole receptacle.
 31. The method of manufacturing of claim 30, wherein the first pole receptacle is female threaded for threadedly engaging a corresponding male threaded first working pole end.
 32. The method of manufacturing of claim 30, wherein the second pole receptacle is female threaded for threadedly engaging a corresponding male threaded first working pole end.
 33. The brush of claim 30, wherein the third pole receptacle is female threaded for threadedly engaging a corresponding male threaded first working pole end.
 34. The method of manufacturing of claim 26, wherein the first pole receptacle comprises an angle from about 1 degree to about 10 degrees about the brush head.
 35. The method of manufacturing of claim 26, wherein the first pole receptacle comprises an angle about 5 degrees about the brush head.
 36. The method of manufacturing of claim 26, wherein the second pole receptacle is angled from about 30 degrees to about 40 degrees about the brush head.
 37. The method of manufacturing of claim 26, wherein the second pole receptacle is angled about 35 degrees about the brush head.
 38. The method of manufacturing of claim 26, wherein the third pole receptacle is angled from about 1 degree to about 10 degrees about the brush head.
 39. The method of manufacturing of claim 26, wherein the third pole receptacle is angled about 5 degrees about the brush head.
 40. A method for manufacturing a multiply positionable brush for cleaning the exterior surfaces of roof rain gutter systems, comprising the steps of: providing a generally L-shaped brush head having an inner surface, an outer surface, and two opposing ends; providing a plurality of bristles carried on the inner surface of the brush head; providing a first pole receptacle carried on the outer surface of the brush head for operably securing a working pole end to the brush head for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutter downspouts; providing a second pole receptacle carried on the outer surface of the brush head for operably securing a working pole end to the brush head for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutters; providing a third pole receptacle carried on the outer surface of the brush head for operably securing a pole end to the brush head for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutter leaf guard systems.
 41. The method of manufacturing of claim 40, wherein the brush head comprises an angle from about 90 degrees to about 120 degrees.
 42. The method of manufacturing of claim 40, wherein the brush head comprises an angle from about 100 degrees to about 120 degrees.
 43. The method of manufacturing of claim 40, wherein the brush head comprises an angle about 115 degrees.
 44. The method of manufacturing of claim 40, further comprising the step of providing a working pole capable of being operably secured to the brush head having a first end and a second end with a portion therebetween.
 45. The method of manufacturing of claim 44, wherein the first working pole end is male threaded for threadedly engaging a corresponding female threaded pole receptacle.
 46. The method of manufacturing of claim 45, wherein the first pole receptacle is female threaded for threadedly engaging a corresponding male threaded first working pole end.
 47. The method of manufacturing of claim 45, wherein the second pole receptacle is female threaded for threadedly engaging a corresponding male threaded first working pole end.
 48. The method of manufacturing of claim 45, wherein the third pole receptacle is female threaded for threadedly engaging a corresponding male threaded first working pole end.
 49. The method of manufacturing of claim 40, wherein the first pole receptacle comprises an angle from about 1 degree to about 10 degrees about the brush head.
 50. The method of manufacturing of claim 40, wherein the first pole receptacle comprises an angle about 5 degrees about the brush head.
 51. The method of manufacturing of claim 40, wherein the second pole receptacle is angled from about 30 degrees to about 40 degrees about the brush head.
 52. The method of manufacturing of claim 40, wherein the second pole receptacle is angled about 35 degrees about the brush head.
 53. The method of manufacturing of claim 40, wherein the third pole receptacle is angled from about 1 degree to about 10 degrees about the brush head.
 54. The method of manufacturing of claim 40, wherein the third pole receptacle is angled about 5 degrees about the brush head. 